King of Melodies: Listen to these five great Tamil songs from 'Mellisai Mannar' MSV

MS Viswanathan, veteran music composer from South India, passed away on Tuesday. He has over 750 films to his credit across Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu languages. [caption id=“attachment_2341336” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  MS Vishwanath. Image from Twitter.[/caption] He started his career with film Tamil Panam (1952) starring Sivaji Ganeshan. A versatile composer, MSV’s songs range from classical to melody to foot-taping cabaret. He has been a mentor and guide to many singers, especially SP Balasubramanian. In a tribute to MSV, Balasubramanian said: “My mentor, my father, my music, MSV, passes away. What penance did I not do, to be cursed not to be there to have a last glimpse of him? Why am I cursed to be in US at this time? I and Indian Cinema are orphaned. May his divine soul rest in peace. Can we be able to listen to all those divine melodies he will be composing for Kannadasan and Vaali’s lyrics from UP there?” Meanwhile, here are a few songs composed by MSV: Pullnaguzhal kodutha

This is considered an evergreen devotional song from MSV-Kannadasan duo and was part of the Sri Krishna Ganam album released in 1963. It was sung by TM Soundarrajan. Kannadasan is a veteran Tamil lyricist, whose team-up with MSV produced many all-time hits. Kutti Aadu Thappi Vantha (Paasavalai)

According to a report in The Hindu, it was this song in the film Paasavalai (1956) that made Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram a hit lyricist overnight. Kalyanasundaram was the most popular lyricist in Tamil cinema before Kannadasan and has written songs for many MGR films. Athan Ennathan

This song from Paava Mannippu (1961) proves the title “Mellisai Mannargal” (King of Melodies) perfectly fits MSV. The title comes from his biography titled Mellisai Mannar MS written by Ramanimaindhan. It is remembered for the soulful rendering by P Susheela. The film Paava Mannipu introduced Sivaji Ganesan to Asha Bhonsle and Lata Mangeshkar. Ganesan was a rakhi brother to both the singer sisters. Yennai Yaar

According to The Hindu report, Illayaraja in the afterword to a biography on MSV, has noted that this one among many songs from the composer that would hold “a listener spellbound”. The song is from movie Palum Pazhamum (1961). Apoorva Ragangal (Elu Swarangalukkul)

This is a semi-classical song from the hit movie Apoorva Ragangal (1975). The song earned Vani Jayaram national award for best female singer.